Colonel Potter

A/N: I'm not sure if I got the time zones right. I'm sorry if I didn't, please don't boo for that.

Two years. Two years was how long he had been home from the Second World War. Two years is a very long time. To Sherman T. Potter, it was an eternity.

Sherman T. Potter, man of steel, a career army man and tough as nails was finally coming home to sweet Missouri to his wife, Mildred. Sure he was home for two years, but in that two years, he had moved around and kept leaving his wife. Even on Christmas. This year was going to be different. This year, he is going to have a perfect Christmas. He was coming home to his beloved wife; his true love besides the army.

Right now he is at West Point Academy, New York as supervisor. He does his duties and calls up a airport to for a ticket to Missouri. Missouri, where one little lady waits for a surprise. Missouri, where you can smell horses for miles off. The thought of it got the older man all excited. He picks up his ticket for tomorrow--Christmas Eve. "Good," he thought. "I'll be home for morning."

He went to his room and started packing. In a little more than 24 hours, he was going to be with his wife. Holding her in his arms. Closing her tightly, never letting go. A perfect image. Sherman Potter packed his things right away so he would be ready. He put his pajamas on and tucked himself. "Only one more day, Mildred. One more day." He said to himself and went to sleep.

The next morning, Sherman T. Potter went in to do his usual duties. Paperwork, inspections, the works. Even in the army, there is no breaks for the holidays. After everything was completed until he returned, he left. Six o' clock to be exact to catch his plane. It would take a while to get to Missouri so he had plenty of time. He was in no rush. In his seat, he watched the sky go by imagining what his wife was doing. He then went to sleep.

"Next stop, Missouri." a stewardess said much later. "Please prepare for landing."

The elder man did, and was antsy about it. The plane landed smoothly. He got his suitcase as he got off and caught the next taxi to home.

Meanwhile, Mildred Potter was sitting in the living room. She was alone, again this year and she knew it. Another year will go by. "Merry Christmas, Sherman wherever you are." She said.

Just then, there was a knock at the door. "Just a neighbor.' she thought. She got up and answered it. A man in a uniform and suitcase was standing in front of her on her threshold.

"Merry Christmas, Mildred!'' He said.

The woman was in shocked. She was about to go in tears, but she hid it. Her hands went out and felt him with a gentle touch. It was just like him coming home from Europe all over again. Her husband was home. She started to cry. Too shock to breathe. Too happy to talk. The older man just grabbed her and held her tightly on his chest letting her cry. "I'm home, Mildred. I'm home".